The second leg of the Zwashu Indigenous and Cultural Dance Organization competitions kicked off on high note at Makonde basic sports field, north of Thohoyandou, last Saturday. This comes after the thrilling first leg of the competition was held at Ha-Khakhu last month.

Traditional dance groups of Tshikona, Malende and Tshigombela fought for supremacy before a huge crowd, which included traditional leaders, members of parliament, academics and the immediate community members.

During the competitions, member of the Limpopo Legislature Mr Maxwell Nemadzivhanani said the government was serious about restoring culture and indigenous knowledge. He commended the management of Zwashu Indigenous and Cultural Dance Organization for coming up with the initiative of reviving culture through traditional dances. Nemadzivhanani added that there was a need to teach young children about the value of culture and the importance of restoring it. "Culture and tradition are the foundation on which the prosperity for each nation starts. It is important to continue with initiatives of this nature for the sake of our children. A nation that does not respect its culture is doomed and does not have any direction."

Nemadzivhanani further encouraged community members to be proud of their cultural practices. "By doing so, it will assist in the government’s drive to restore the community’s morals and culture."

In the Malende category, Tshidimbini came out tops, followed by Lunungwi Waterfalls, and Pfano-Vhutalu took position three. The fourth place went to Vondwe, and Tshikambe occupied the fifth place.

Vhurivhuri swept the first position in the Tshigombela category and was followed by Mubvumoni. The third place went to Vhurivhuri-Thondoni and fourth place went to Vhurivhuri Matovha, whereas the fifth place went to Muelekanyi-Tshivhase.

In the Tshikona category, Tshilungwi, Vhutavhatsindi, Rammbuda, Vondwe and Vhurivhuri took positions one to five respectively.

The marketing officer of Zwashu Indigenous and Cultural Dance Organization, Norman Phophi, said the finals of the competitions will be held on 29 September at a venue still to be announced. He said the third leg of the competitions will be held at Rabali Stadium on 28 July, followed by the fourth leg at Shuma Park, on 25 August.

He said after all the four legs of the competitions, the best ten groups in each category, based on acquired percentages, will compete in the finals where prizes will include cash and a live bull.